Full Title: Critical Materials
Author(s): Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan
Publisher(s): Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan
Publication Date: August 5, 2023
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
Minerals are integral to the functioning of modern society. They are found in alloys, magnets, batteries, catalysts, phosphors, and polishing compounds, which in turn are integrated into countless products such as aircraft, communication systems, electric vehicles (EV), lasers, naval vessels, and various types of consumer electronics and lighting. However, some of these minerals are in limited supply and techniques for their extraction incur high environmental and financial costs. Given their necessity in a plethora of technological applications, concern exists over whether supply can meet the needs of the economy in the future. Material criticality can be assessed in terms of supply risk, vulnerability to supply restriction, and environmental implications.